There are all sorts of stories going around about how to remove these lipstick stains. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.
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Removing lipstick stains
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Removing lipstick stains
A small smudge of lipstick on a sofa, carpet or floor may look harmless, but this stain can be quite stubborn. Lipstick is specially formulated to adhere well and stay on for a long time – exactly what you don’t want when it ends up on your interior. The combination of fats, colour pigments and wax-like substances causes the stain to penetrate the surface quickly. Fortunately, lipstick stains can be easily removed, provided you work carefully and precisely. Below you can read how to approach this for each surface.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: Lipstick, Makeup, Make-up, Lip gloss
Characteristics (anatomy) of a lipstick stain
Lipstick contains fats, oils, waxes and colour pigments. This mixture ensures strong adhesion to fibres and surfaces. The oily base quickly penetrates porous materials, while the pigment sticks to the top layer. When dried, the stain hardens and becomes more difficult to remove. Incorrect cleaning agents or scrubbing can spread or fix the pigment, causing the stain to spread or become permanent.
Removing lipstick stains from carpet or rugs
Carpet is susceptible to lipstick stains due to the combination of grease absorption and colour adhesion. As soon as the lipstick comes into contact with the fibres, the oily part quickly penetrates the carpet, while the pigment remains visible on the surface. Light-coloured carpets immediately show brightly coloured, conspicuous stains that are difficult to remove without the right approach.
If you do not treat the stain immediately, the grease will harden and the pigment will spread when touched or rubbed. Old lipstick stains attract dust and dirt and become darker or duller. Some lipsticks also contain glitter or pearlescent pigments that adhere particularly stubbornly.
Begin cleaning by gently removing most of the lipstick. Do not scrub – this pushes the pigment deeper into the fibres. Use a fibre-friendly, grease-dissolving cleaner without foam or perfume. Work step by step, test on an inconspicuous area if in doubt, and allow the carpet to dry thoroughly before reassessing.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Removing lipstick stains from hard floors
On hard floors, lipstick initially adheres to the surface, but grease and colour pigments can penetrate pores, seams or relief. On smooth floors, the stain may appear easy to remove, but on wood, PVC, or natural stone, greasy marks or a coloured haze may remain after cleaning.
If you leave a lipstick stain, the grease will dry and attract dirt. The dye can adhere to finishing layers or penetrate into the structure. Especially with light-coloured floors or matt finishes, a pink or red tinge remains visible – even if most of the stain has been removed.
First, carefully remove the lipstick with a dry cloth or plastic spatula. Then use a pH-neutral floor cleaner that dissolves grease without damaging the surface. Avoid all-purpose cleaners containing perfume or foam, and always test on an inconspicuous area first when cleaning sensitive floors.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Removing lipstick stains from upholstery fabric
Lipstick is one of the more difficult stains to remove from upholstery fabrics. The combination of fats, wax and colour pigment causes the substance to adhere quickly to the upper fibre layer, while the fatty part penetrates deeper into the fabric. Light-coloured fabrics such as linen, cotton or velour make the stain particularly visible.
When dry, the stain forms a stiff, shiny spot that may remain sticky to the touch. The dyes often remain visible even after the grease has been removed. Scrubbing or using foaming agents will make the situation worse: the stain will spread or form a noticeable ring.
Treat the stain with care. First, carefully remove any excess lipstick with a spoon or dry cloth. Then clean with a fabric-safe grease remover that also loosens pigment. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly and repeat the treatment if necessary. Avoid heat, pressure or perfumed sprays – these can increase the problem.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Would you also like to benefit from James’ effective stain removal? Discover our full range and order your James products easily online. You’ll soon be enjoying a clean and stain-free interior again!
Frequently asked questions and myths
Why is lipstick so difficult to remove, even with just a small smudge?
Lipstick contains a mixture of fats, oils, colourants and often wax. These ingredients quickly adhere to surfaces and easily penetrate fibres or pores, especially if you try to wipe or rub them. The combination of grease and pigment ensures that the stain is not only on the surface, but becomes embedded in the material. Even with small amounts, you will quickly see a noticeable smear that is difficult to remove without the right approach.
Is it wise to use a make-up remover on a lipstick stain?
Make-up removers are designed for skin, not for textiles or floors. They often contain oils or alcohol that can spread the stain or damage the surface. They can leave an extra layer of grease on fabrics. Although the idea seems logical, there is a good chance that you will make the problem worse rather than solve it. A grease-dissolving cleaner that is suitable for the surface is safer.
Why do shiny spots appear after removing a lipstick stain from fabric or carpet?
The pigment and grease in lipstick, and especially rubbing during cleaning, can damage or flatten the fibres of textiles. This creates a shiny spot that remains visible in the light, even though the colour stain itself has disappeared. This is difficult to correct because it has to do with fibre structure and light incidence. A cautious approach from the outset is the best way to prevent this.
Can I use turpentine or methylated spirits to remove lipstick stains?
Although these products can dissolve grease, they are often too aggressive for most surfaces in the home. They can dissolve coatings, affect colour or dry out the surface. In addition, they easily spread the pigment, making the stain larger. On textiles, it can lead to permanent stains or colour differences. It is therefore preferable to use a mild, pH-neutral product that safely dissolves both grease and pigment.
Why does the colour still appear after cleaning, especially with red or pink lipstick?
The colourants in lipstick are often intense and highly pigmented. Red and pink shades contain dyes that can bind deeply to fibres or pores and are difficult to dissolve completely. Even after removing grease and surface contamination, a tint may remain that is noticeable in the light. This often requires repeated cleaning or targeted removal for optimal results.
A lipstick stain requires a smart, careful approach – not brute force or quick cleaning tricks. Due to the combination of fat and colour, it is important to work calmly, in stages and with attention to the material. With the right approach, even this stubborn stain will disappear without leaving any permanent marks on your floor, furniture or carpet.